The Mayor of Cape Coast in the Central Region, George Justice Arthur, says tourism can play a significant role in Ghana’s 24-hour economy by creating jobs, expanding business opportunities and strengthening local supply chains.
He said tourism spending should benefit businesses beyond hotels and tourist attractions, including farmers, fishers, food vendors, transport operators and artisans.
“Tourism is much more than travel, sightseeing and hospitality. It is a powerful economic ecosystem that supports employment, entrepreneurship, infrastructure development, cultural preservation and international cooperation,” he said.
Mr Arthur was speaking at the opening of the sixth Inter Tourism Expo Accra (iNTTA) at the Ridge Royal Hotel in Cape Coast on Wednesday, October 21.
He said the 24-hour economy programme should be used to unlock productivity, create jobs and make Ghana more competitive.
The Mayor called for stronger partnerships between tourism businesses and local producers, urging hotels and restaurants to source more of their supplies locally.
He also encouraged investors to explore opportunities in heritage accommodation, hospitality, cultural enterprises, food processing and digital tourism.
Mr Arthur said Cape Coast was positioning itself as a global tourism destination by combining its historical heritage with modern investment and innovation.
The three-day expo, which ends on October 23, is bringing together investors, policymakers, entrepreneurs and tourism professionals to explore opportunities in tourism, agribusiness, trade and digital innovation.